Community : Parenting

Working Has Made Me a Better Mom

Editor’s note: The following article is written by a Skinny Mom Resident Mom. The Resident Mom program gives a voice to our readers, allowing moms across the world to contribute content to Skinny Mom. If you’re interested in becoming a Resident Mom, click here to apply.

When I was pregnant with my first child I worked a full-time marketing job – one which I fully intended to return to after my son was born. But as my due date approached, I started to realize that the company I was working for didn’t offer a great work-life balance, and the short eight-week maternity leave I was allowed was just not enough. So I made the tough decision to resign my position and stay home with my son.

I loved being home with my baby, being able to nurse him, rock him to sleep for his naps and see all of his amazing “firsts.” I wouldn’t trade those moments for the world. But as the months passed, I found myself thinking more and more about my old “work life” and searching job postings just to see what was out there. When my son was about 10 months old, I got a call from a recruiter about a contract position with a great company that was perfect for me. I had a big decision to make – one of the biggest I’d had to make as a parent yet.

Many tears were shed and many conversations had with friends, family and other moms. I was excited about the opportunity but felt guilty for wanting to “leave my baby” when we were able to survive financially on my husband’s income. I knew how many moms would kill to have the opportunity to stay home with their kids and here I was, ready to trade that all in for my own career. After careful consideration and encouragement from my loved ones, I decided to take the job. I was so nervous about how my son (and I) would adjust to him going to daycare. But I found a great one, and he adjusted quickly and amazingly.

A little over a year has passed now since I jumped back into full-time work and I couldn’t be happier. After a couple of contract positions, I have found myself in a permanent position with my dream company, doing what I love. My son has THRIVED at his daycare and amazes me every day with what he has learned and how much fun he has engaging with other kids.

The best part is that I am so much more energized as a mom. When my work day ends, I’m so excited to pick up my little guy and do all the fun things that he loves. It’s a great balance for me and makes our time together all the more special.